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New Models
BIKES: 2012 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition First Ride
Justin Dawes reviews the 2012 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition.
2012 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition (Photo: Motorcycle USA)
Ryan Dungey is a bad dude, but when RD5 pulled up roots and headed over to KTM to join Roger DeCoster we wondered if he would be competitive on the current 450 SX-F. Turns out we will never know as he immediately went to work riding an all-new model. This brought on more questions; that is until KTM dropped the release of the 2012 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition back at the first of the year. Then it became crystal clear, sort of.
The big question was how and why KTM would roll out a second 450 SX-F model for 2012? In order for Dungey to compete on the new model, KTM must have 400 examples for sale in the US. So beginning tomorrow, 200 Factory Edition bikes will be available for the general public followed by 200 more on June 1st. This is where we as mere mortals get to reap the rewards from the AMA homologation rules. Team Orange chose its words carefully in saying this is an early release of the 2013 model. They said that it is a glimpse, but most likely not the exact machine we will see for sale next year.
Tech Details
Although the engine is vastly different from the current 2012 KTM 450 SX-F, the Factory Edition’s mill is not exactly all-new. Based off the 450 and 500 XC-W powerplant, the FE’s motor is smaller in physical size and lighter by 4.4 pounds. Not only was the goal to cut weight but to also reduce reciprocating mass. By integrating the balancer shaft and water pump and going to a single overhead cam design, KTM has reduced rotating mass by 1.8 pounds. Fueling the smaller and simpler engine is a new 44mm Keihin throttle body featuring separate controls for the idle adjustment and choke. To support the new fuel system and engine, a new muffler and air boot have also been designed to boost power output.
The engine is big news, but the updated chassis is even more noteworthy. KTM engineers started with a steering head crossbrace to increase the rigidity during corning and braking. With a smaller engine the cradle tubes were made thinner and the ground clearance was increased. The suspension is the same 48mm upside-down WP closed-cartridge fork and WP shock as on the standard 450 SX-F, but the settings have been revised to work with the stiffer frame. A new lower triple clamp is designed to reduce stiction of the front fork. At the rear, a new swingarm features a new 25mm axle for additional durability and strength (formerly 20mm).
Slim bodywork wraps around an all-new fuel tank. Additionally the front fender, number plate, airbox and side panels are fresh units. Factory Red Bull graphics come standard complete with RD5 numbers and team sponsor logos. Black Excel wheels, an orange anodized sprocket and Renthal 827 Fat Bars finish off the Factory Edition.
On the Track
With so few units available we were allotted just one day to ride the Factory Edition. We met up with the KTM crew at Lake Elsinore Motocross Park to turn as many laps as we could to give you the scoop on one of the most exclusive MX machines for 2012.
Read more at MotorcycleUSA.com!
The big question was how and why KTM would roll out a second 450 SX-F model for 2012? In order for Dungey to compete on the new model, KTM must have 400 examples for sale in the US. So beginning tomorrow, 200 Factory Edition bikes will be available for the general public followed by 200 more on June 1st. This is where we as mere mortals get to reap the rewards from the AMA homologation rules. Team Orange chose its words carefully in saying this is an early release of the 2013 model. They said that it is a glimpse, but most likely not the exact machine we will see for sale next year.
Tech Details
Although the engine is vastly different from the current 2012 KTM 450 SX-F, the Factory Edition’s mill is not exactly all-new. Based off the 450 and 500 XC-W powerplant, the FE’s motor is smaller in physical size and lighter by 4.4 pounds. Not only was the goal to cut weight but to also reduce reciprocating mass. By integrating the balancer shaft and water pump and going to a single overhead cam design, KTM has reduced rotating mass by 1.8 pounds. Fueling the smaller and simpler engine is a new 44mm Keihin throttle body featuring separate controls for the idle adjustment and choke. To support the new fuel system and engine, a new muffler and air boot have also been designed to boost power output.
The engine is big news, but the updated chassis is even more noteworthy. KTM engineers started with a steering head crossbrace to increase the rigidity during corning and braking. With a smaller engine the cradle tubes were made thinner and the ground clearance was increased. The suspension is the same 48mm upside-down WP closed-cartridge fork and WP shock as on the standard 450 SX-F, but the settings have been revised to work with the stiffer frame. A new lower triple clamp is designed to reduce stiction of the front fork. At the rear, a new swingarm features a new 25mm axle for additional durability and strength (formerly 20mm).
Slim bodywork wraps around an all-new fuel tank. Additionally the front fender, number plate, airbox and side panels are fresh units. Factory Red Bull graphics come standard complete with RD5 numbers and team sponsor logos. Black Excel wheels, an orange anodized sprocket and Renthal 827 Fat Bars finish off the Factory Edition.
On the Track
With so few units available we were allotted just one day to ride the Factory Edition. We met up with the KTM crew at Lake Elsinore Motocross Park to turn as many laps as we could to give you the scoop on one of the most exclusive MX machines for 2012.
Read more at MotorcycleUSA.com!
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